Motorcyclist Thomas Bourgin died on Friday (January 11) in Chile as he was riding to the start of the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally.
From Saint Etienne, France, the 25-year-old was involved in a head on collision with a police car according to rally organizers.
In a press release, rally organizers said the exact circumstances of the accident were subject to an inquiry.
Medical teams deployed on the ground were only able to certify the rider's death, with reports suggesting he died instantly.
Bourgin was in 68th place in the overall standings and was taking part in his first Dakar Rally.